Vitamin C Requirements of the Angelfish <i>Pterophylum scalare</i>

Abstract

Abstract.— Despite a large economical value of the ornamental fish trade, little information is available on the dietary ascorbic acid requirements of these species. Ascorbic acid requirements of fishes of the cichlid family appear to vary widely. Juvenile angelfish, a widely produced ornamental cichlid, were maintained on diets containing graded levels of ascorbyl monophosphate. Liver ascorbic acid concentrations after 96 d of feeding were significantly reduced in groups receiving 120 mg or less ascorbic acid equivalents/kg diet. However, no differences in growth or mortality between groups were found, and no external signs of ascorbic acid deficiency were observed, indicating a high resistance of this species against prolonged ascorbic acid deficiency. Based on the long possible life span of angelfish in the aquarium, we proposed a conservative dietary ascorbic acid requirement of 360 mg/ kg diet, necessary to maintain maximum tissue storage of this vitamin.